Re: patriot act watch...l and ll......
Just a few points, all are my my most humble opinions. Please have patience, I need caffeine badly...
Not to be too naive, but what is the big problem with a national identity card? You have a driver?s license right? Do you really think that is not accessible from another state? Not available to the Federal Government? What is it you want to do that precludes having a valid mailing address? (PO Box even). You have a birth certificate; the "Feds" know you exist. Did you get a SSN? Ever pay taxes? Have a passport? Bought a weapon (legally)? Etc..etc..If you answered "yes" to any of the above, you are traceable.
You know what....BIG DEAL. The only people I dread knowing not only that I exist, but where I live and my unlisted number...are telemarketers. Now there is a group of corporate lackeys I would love to be able to hide from. Best years of my life were spent overseas...NO ANNOYING CALLS DURING DINNER...ah, bliss.
I mean folks, advertising firms, credit agencies, these types of people have more information on you than the Government ever could. Why do you think a credit check is routine in a criminal investigation? (Actually, this will probably feed into someone?s conspiracy theory regarding corporations)
Just my opinion. I am biased as I am used to carrying a chipped ID card everywhere I go. At one point in 2003, I had 5 ID cards hanging about my neck. Still was able to disappear in my Pajero anytime I wanted. And wouldn't you know it, Uncle Sam still sends letters to me to old addresses or to my parents home (I am 34 with 3 kids, haven't used my mothers address since 1987.). If anyone would take the time to look in DEERS, they would have my current contact info..So much for "Big Brother". I mean really, do any of you really have any idea just how, god I hate to say it but no other word fits, incompetent some (most) branches of the government are? Just how little communication exists between branches and between agencies within branches? So little has improved since 9/11. In some cases, it is even getting worse. Did any of you follow the stories regarding The SecDef setting up his own intelligence agency to handle Military matters (in opposition to the CIA)? Why? So DoD had an agency they can control (It is not an agency yet, just some teams) that would not have to report to the local Ambassador/Consul. Do you think they share information the CIA? Nope. With anyone??? Nope.
You have all been to the post office, dealt with clueless IRS people on the phone, some of you were in the Military (You people should know, out of all the people on this site, just how screwed up and un-coordinated the Federal government is. Does SNAFU and FUBAR ring a bell? You think civilians are any different? Most of them (GS7 to 12's..heck, SES) are retired military...your former NCO's and officers...THIS is the federal government you are afraid of? They couldn't run a company right in the military, now they are super G men, MIB extraordinaire?)
Want to worry about something? Worry about the Highway patrol. Pull you over for anything and everything. There is oppression. I tell you, I am spoiled with the German Autobahns.....
My warm regards, and apologies, to everyone,
Jim
(Hey, not bad for 0141 in the morning and no spell check)